A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara follows the lives of four college friends in New York City, primarily focusing on Jude St. Francis, a lawyer grappling with a traumatic childhood. As Jude's career prospers, his past continually haunts him, revealing cycles of abuse and self-harm. The narrative explores themes of friendship, suffering, and the impact of past trauma on present life. Topics include sexual abuse and self-harm.

Yanagihara's A Little Life is a deeply emotional novel that delves into themes of trauma, friendship, and survival. Readers praised its compelling narrative and complex characters, highlighting its raw emotional depth. However, some found its relentless depiction of suffering overwhelming and its length daunting. Overall, it's a powerful but polarizing read.

A reader who would enjoy A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara typically appreciates intense, character-driven narratives and emotional complexity, akin to fans of Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch and Jeffrey Eugenides' The Marriage Plot. This reader seeks deep explorations of friendship, trauma, and resilience.

Hanya Yanagihara

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore A Little Life and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Little Life Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Lispenard Street”

Part 1, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 1, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Postman”

Part 2, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 2, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 2, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Vanities”

Part 3, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 3, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 3, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Axiom of Equality”

Part 4, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 4, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 4, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Happy Years”

Part 5, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 5, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 5, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Dear Comrade”

Part 6, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 6, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 6, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Lispenard Street”

Part 7 A Little Life Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Little Life Character Analysis

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Themes

A Little Life Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Little Life Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Little Life Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Little Life Essay Topics

A Little Life

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Little Life?

Reading Age

Book Details